The Suitcase
Kaylee Rudd (Wicking Centre, University of Tasmania)
Woolen scarves and jumpers spilled out of the large suitcase. Its lid splayed against the closet door. A worn-out, half torn airport tag hung from its handle. Mom was sitting on the edge of the bed, folding a papery white shirt. There was a pile of summer clothes, all washed, ready to swap place with the contents of the suitcase.
The little girl leaned against her mom’s leg and crunched her nose. Winter clothes smelled funny.
“Will you ever go back?” she asked her mom.
“I want to,” said mom, her hands stopped halfway folding a shirt, “And I want you to see your cousins.” The little line between her brows deepened and her eyes glazed over, “Maybe in a year or two…”
That was fourteen years ago.
Kaylee Rudd is a PhD student at the Wicking Centre, University of Tasmania. Her research investigates motor biomarkers of cognitive impairment, especially application of Artificial Intelligence in movement analysis with the aim of detecting dementia in its early stages. She has a background in physiotherapy with experience across aged and community care. She collaborates with the team of the cognitive clinic in Hobart and with researchers from national and international institutions aiming to develop early biomarkers of dementia. Outside work, she is an admirer of the written world in all shapes and sizes and reads and writes for work and pleasure.
